Derry City: Lafferty finally makes Premier League debut

Northern Ireland international Danny Lafferty came off the bench for Burnley on Saturday, to make his Premier League debut.

The talented left-back replaced Ben Mee and help Sean Dyche’s men secure a narrow 1-0 win over Southampton.

“I enjoyed it,” he stated. “The gaffer told me to make good decisions and just go and enjoy it. That was the information I got going onto the pitch.

“Southampton have big names in their team like Shane Long, and Nathaniel Clyne but it was a very enjoyable experience and now that I’ve had a small taste of it, I’d want to do it again.

“I came on then at that break in play immediately after the goal, which just added to the tension and nerves because we had the lead and we were expecting Southampton to come at us.

“It was not the easiest of games to come on in; Southampton are a good side and one mistake can change the game.”

The former Derry City full-back is now hoping he can stay in the squad for this weekend’s game at in-form Tottenham Hotspur, on Saturday.

“It’s hard to gauge what’s going to happen,” he added.

“Because of Stephen Ward’s injury I’ll be travelling for the game. I’ll keep my fingers crossed, but things can change quickly. They went in my favour this time.

“The boss might want to change it up on Saturday so it’s too early to say, but I’d be hoping to make the bench at least.”

Lafferty, who signed a three year deal with the Turf Moor side in the summer, played his role in helping Burnley secure promotion last season, but it has been a different story this campaign.

The 25-year-old has had to watch a number of Burnley games from the stands this year as he as struggled to force his way into the squad and because of that he hasn’t played for Michael O’Neill’s Northern Ireland side.

“The one thing I have had to be this year is extremely patient,” he continued.